A Life Of 'Shine - Lem Fike

53

Sadie had left first, whispering to Arthur for one last time before riding out to that location they were meant to be meeting in time for John's rescue. Most knew of their secret, all beside Dutch who they feared telling given how he was the most adamant on leaving him there for the time being until a later date.

Nora was glad she could help for the most part, even though that was just her getting O'Driscoll's after them and then blacking out halfway through due to being bucked off of her horse. She never thought herself to be in such bad shape, so to say she was upset about the incident was an understatement.

She was thankful for the great friends she had around these parts who helped although they were more distractions to keep her here given her stubborn nature of helping others regardless of her condition.

These people were like a second family too her. Save for Dutch, Micah, Bill and Javier who she slowly grew to strongly dislike. Way back then she would have liked them, but they alway's left a bitter feeling within her after even the most briefest of conversations.

It was a shame. Especially given her's and Javier's status as friends once upon a time. She would enjoy their fishing trips and talks, but she also knew that he was blind to Dutch. There was no surprise in his hurt and anger with the division the camp had gone through.

Sometimes on the rare occasion they would have a talk, similar to their old one's but it quickly escalated to Javier telling her off for not trusting Dutch and that she shouldn't even be at camp given she was no member.

But, the women helped her see through. They provided pleasant gossip until the sun went down and the moon came high.

"Miss Nora?" She looked down, pausing her fastening of the girth on her horses saddle at the little voice who had called her.

She hadn't realised her mind had wandered until her name had been called- her eyes having to narrow just to see in the dim light around the area.

"Hey, Jack. Is everythin' alright? Thought you'd be sleepin'." She spoke, her voice soft. He rubbed his eye while yawning, his nightgown too big for him that it dragged in the dirt leaving the bottom stained.

"I heard you an' Uncle Lem were leavin'." That title she hadn't heard before and for some reason it made her feel warm inside, that kinda warmth that sparked joy and happiness. She chuckled a little at the thought.

"We can't stay I'm afraid. So we'll be headin' out for a while."

"How long?"

"I'm not sure, son. But don't you fret I'm sure I'll see you again, soon."

"You promise?"

She smiled, patting his head gently. "Of course."

She was ready to shoo him back towards his tent, for more sleep since she knew that he shouldn't miss out on it but had stopped only due to remembering something.

She reached into her saddle bag, sometimes glancing over her shoulder to take a look at the boy who watched curiously. His face lit up when she pulled out a bag of candies, hoping she would offer him one at the least.

"Here's a gift for you an' your momma. You mustn't eat any now since it's late- but you're allowed some in the mornin'. Promise you won't eat any, Jack?"

He nodded, eagerly taking the bag from her hands. "Good boy, now run along and get back to sleep."

She watched as the boy scuttled off a bright smile on her face at the scene before it was unfortunately wiped away from the bitter laughter coming behind her.

She turned away, looking at the shadows as Micah emerged from them, a smirk on his face as he stepped closer. "Such a pretty scene, Morgan." His voice was taunting almost, and the way he acted as he got closer towards Nora- too close- was enough for her to want to punch him in the face. She was tempted but she knew it would not go over well for her, or for Lem given this man's violent streak.